Pick up where you left off with Handoff on Mac (2024)

macOS Sonoma 14

macOS Ventura 13

macOS Monterey 12

macOS Big Sur 11.0

macOS Catalina 10.15

macOS High Sierra

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Table of Contents

macOS User Guide

  • Welcome
    • What’s in the menu bar?
    • Work on the desktop
    • Search with Spotlight
    • Quickly change settings
    • Use Siri
    • Get notifications
    • Open apps from the Dock
    • Organize your files in the Finder
    • Connect to the internet
    • Browse the web
    • Preview a file
    • Take a screenshot
    • Change your display’s brightness
    • Adjust the volume
    • Use trackpad and mouse gestures
    • Use Touch ID
    • Print documents
    • Keyboard shortcuts
    • Apps on your Mac
    • Open apps
    • Work with app windows
    • Use apps in full screen
    • Use apps in Split View
    • Use Stage Manager
    • Get apps from the App Store
    • Install and reinstall apps from the App Store
    • Install and uninstall other apps
    • Create and work with documents
    • Open documents
    • Mark up files
    • Combine files into a PDF
    • Organize files on your desktop
    • Organize files with folders
    • Tag files and folders
    • Back up files
    • Restore files
    • Change System Settings
    • Choose your desktop wallpaper
    • Add and customize widgets
    • Use a screen saver
    • Add a user or group
    • Add your email and other accounts
    • Automate tasks with Shortcuts
    • Create Memoji
    • Change your login picture
    • Change the system language
    • Make text and other items on the screen bigger
    • Set up a Focus to stay on task
    • Set up Screen Time for yourself
    • Use Dictation
    • Send emails
    • Send text messages
    • Make a FaceTime video call
    • Edit photos and videos
    • Use Live Text to interact with text in a photo
    • Start a Quick Note
    • Get directions
    • Work across devices using Continuity
    • Use iPhone as a webcam
    • Use iPhone with Desk View
    • Stream audio and video with AirPlay
    • Use one keyboard and mouse to control Mac and iPad
    • Hand off between devices
    • Unlock your Mac with Apple Watch
    • Make and receive phone calls on your Mac
    • Sync music, books, and more between devices
    • Manage Apple ID settings
    • Set your Apple ID picture
    • What is iCloud?
    • What is iCloud+?
    • Store files in iCloud Drive
    • Share and collaborate on files and folders
    • Manage iCloud storage
    • Use iCloud Photos
    • What is Family Sharing?
    • Set up Family Sharing
    • Set up Screen Time for a child
    • Share purchases with your family
    • Watch and listen together with SharePlay
    • Share a Photo Library
    • Collaborate on projects
    • Find content shared with you
    • Find your family and friends
    • Play games with your friends
    • Play music
    • Listen to podcasts
    • Watch TV shows and movies
    • Read and listen to books
    • Read the news
    • Track stocks and the market
    • Apple Music
    • Apple TV+
    • Apple Arcade
    • Apple News+
    • Podcast shows and channels
    • Manage subscriptions in the App Store
    • View Apple family subscriptions
    • Guard your privacy
    • Use Mail Privacy Protection
    • Control access to your camera
    • Use Sign in with Apple for apps and websites
    • Set up your Mac to be secure
    • Keep your data safe
    • Create a passkey
    • Understand passwords
    • Keep your Apple ID secure
    • Find a missing device
    • Get started with accessibility features
    • Vision
    • Hearing
    • Mobility
    • Speech
    • General
    • Connect an external display
    • Use the built-in camera
    • Connect a Bluetooth device
    • Use AirPods with your Mac
    • Optimize your Mac battery life
    • Optimize storage space
    • Burn CDs and DVDs
    • Control accessories in your home
    • Use Windows on your Mac
  • Resources for your Mac
  • Resources for your Apple devices
  • Copyright
Pick up where you left off with Handoff on Mac (1)

With Handoff, you can start something on one Apple device (Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch) and then seamlessly pick it up on another device. For example, start answering an email on your iPhone, then finish it in Mail on your Mac. You can use Handoff with many Apple apps—for example, Calendar, Contacts, Pages, and Safari. Some third-party apps may also work with Handoff.

Pick up where you left off with Handoff on Mac (2)

To use Handoff, your Apple devices must meet Continuity system requirements. They must also have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and Handoff turned on in System Settings (on your Mac) and in Settings (on your iOS and iPadOS devices). You must be signed in with the same Apple ID on all your devices.

Tip: When Handoff is on, you can use Universal Clipboard to copy and paste text, images, photos, and videos across devices. You can also copy files between Mac computers.

Turn Handoff on or off

Note: If a Handoff option isn’t available on your device, it doesn’t work with Handoff.

  • On your Mac: Choose Apple menuPick up where you left off with Handoff on Mac (3) > System Settings, click General Pick up where you left off with Handoff on Mac (4) in the sidebar, click AirDrop & Handoff on the right, then turn “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices” on or off. (You may need to scroll down.)

  • On iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch: Go to Settings> General> AirPlay & Handoff, then turn Handoff on or off.

  • On Apple Watch: Open the Apple Watch app on iPhone, go to My Watch > General, then turn Enable Handoff on or off.

Hand off between devices

  • From your Mac to an iOS or iPadOS device: The Handoff icon of the app you’re using on your Mac appears on your iPhone (at the bottom of the app switcher) or your iPad or iPod touch (at the end of the Dock). Tap to continue working in the app.

  • From an iOS or iPadOS device or Apple Watch to your Mac: The Handoff icon of the app you’re using on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch appears on your Mac near the right end of the Dock (or the bottom, depending on the Dock position). Click the icon to continue working in the app.

    You can also press Command-Tab to quickly switch to the app that has the Handoff icon.

See alsoUse Continuity to work across Apple devicesTurn Bluetooth on or off on MacSign in or out of your Apple ID on MacApple Support article: Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

Helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

Pick up where you left off with Handoff on Mac (2024)

FAQs

What does Handoff mean on a Mac? ›

With Handoff, you can start a task on one device and complete it on another. For example, you can start reading a webpage on Safari on your Mac, but then hand it off to your iPhone to finish it on the go.

How to fix Handoff on Mac? ›

Method 1. Restart Handoff on All Devices
  1. On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings> General > AirPlay & Handoff and toggle on Handoff.
  2. On Mac: Open System Preferences> General and check the box for Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud device.

How do I turn off Apple Handoff detection? ›

To disable it, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, tap General, then turn off Enable Handoff. Handoff works with Activity, Alarm, Calendar, Home, Mail, Maps, Messages, Music, News, Phone, Podcasts, Reminders, Settings, Siri, Stocks, Stopwatch, Timers, Wallet, Weather, and World Clock.

Where do I find Handoff on my Mac? ›

Turn Handoff on or off

On your Mac: Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar, click AirDrop & Handoff on the right, then turn “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices” on or off.

Is Apple Handoff safe? ›

This connection is secured using standard BLE 4.2 encryption as well as encryption of the individual messages, which is similar to how iMessage is encrypted. In some situations, these messages are sent using APNs instead of BLE.

What is the benefit of Apple Handoff? ›

With Handoff, you can start something on one Apple device (Mac, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch) and then seamlessly pick it up on another. For example, start answering an email on your iPhone, then finish it in Mail on your Mac. You can use Handoff with many Apple apps — for example, Calendar, Contacts, Pages and Safari.

Can you use Handoff between two Macs? ›

Tip: When Handoff is on, you can use Universal Clipboard to copy and paste text, images, photos and videos across devices. You can also copy files between Mac computers.

How do I get my Mac back to normal desktop? ›

Using keyboard shortcuts is the quickest way to show your Mac desktop, and you can do that in two simple methods.
  1. Press Fn + F11 to quickly reveal the desktop. For older Mac Pro computers, the keyboard doesn't feature media keys. ...
  2. You can alternatively press Command + F3 (Mission Control) to show desktop.

What is the Handoff app for Mac? ›

Turn on “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices”. Mac with earlier versions of macOS: choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click General, then select “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices”. iPhone or iPad: go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff, then turn on Handoff.

Where is Handoff in settings? ›

iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff, then turn on Handoff. Apple Watch: In the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap General and turn on Enable Handoff. Apple Watch supports handing off from your watch to your iPhone or Mac.

What's the difference between handover and Handoff? ›

Handover, also known as handoff, is a fundamental process in telecommunication and mobile communication systems. It facilitates the smooth transition of cellular transmission, whether voice or data, from one base station (cell site) to another, all while maintaining uninterrupted connectivity for mobile users.

How do I stop Apple devices from tracking? ›

In the list of apps using Location Services, tap Find My, then select Never. To stop sharing your location with certain apps and services, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, then choose the apps and services you want to stop sharing with.

How do I get rid of Handoff on my Mac? ›

Disable Handoff on a Mac From the System Preferences
  1. Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
  2. Select General.
  3. Disable the box next to Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.
Jun 5, 2022

Why is my Apple Handoff not working? ›

Make sure both devices are signed into the same Apple ID. Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Make sure both devices have the Handoff option turned on.

Where is left shift on Mac? ›

Where is the shift key on a Mac? Just as in Windows, the Shift keys are indicated by the ⇧ symbol. The keys are located in the second row of keys from the bottom - on the very outside.

What does it mean to make a Handoff? ›

: to pass or delegate (a task or responsibility) to another.

What is AirDrop and Handoff? ›

AirDrop usually works well for sending info to your own or even other people's devices, provided that they have the feature enabled. Handoff, on the other hand, works only for devices that are all signed in to the same iCloud account using the same Apple ID.

Does Handoff work with private browsing? ›

If you use Handoff, private browsing windows aren't handed off to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or other Mac computers. Changes to your cookies and website data aren't saved.

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